Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR
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| Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR | |
|---|---|
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| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Also called | Colt Lancer 1600 GSR |
| Production | 1973–1977 |
| Predecessor | (in competition) Mitsubishi Galant |
| Successor | (in competition) Mitsubishi Lancer EX |
| Class | Compact car |
| Body style | 2-door sedan |
| Platform | FR layout |
| Engine | 4G32 1597 cc I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2340 mm |
| Length | 3990 mm |
| Width | 1530 mm |
| Height | 1360 mm |
| Curb weight | 890 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 50 L |
The Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR was the high-performance version of the first generation Lancer sedan, developed by Mitsubishi Motors to further their aspirations in off-road racing, especially the Safari Rally of Kenya. Thanks to repeated triumphs in what was the most gruelling rally in the world, it earned the nickname "King of Cars" in Africa.[1]
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[edit] Motorsport heritage
After sporadic successes with the Colt and Galant rally cars in previous years, Mitsubishi decided to develop a Lancer model specifically to tackle the notorious Safari Rally. Run over 6,000 km of arduous terrain under searing equatorial temperatures, the race was regarded as the toughest in the world, and typically only one car in five which set off from the start would manage to reach the finish line in Nairobi. Mitsubishi sanctioned official factory teams for the 1974–77 events, building for itself an enviable reputation for durability when only one of thirteen cars failed to finish in those four attempts. The high point was a clean sweep of the podium places in 1976.[2]
The car had previously demonstrated similar qualities in 1973, with its debut in the Australian Southern Cross Rally being rewarded with a clean sweep of the top four places. Works driver Andrew Cowan would go on to dominate this race in the '70s, winning four consecutive titles in 1973–76. Cowan and Joginder Singh also scored a 1–2 finish for the Lancer GSR at the 1977 Rallye Bandama Côte d'Ivoire.[3]
Production ceased when the Lancer range was facelifted in 1977, although it remained a popular car with privateers into the 1980s. However, the decline of endurance rallying and the rise of the Group B class eventually signalled its demise.
[edit] Selected international results (factory entries only)
[edit] Safari Rally
- 1974:
1st, Joginder Singh / David Doig
- 1975:
4th, Andrew Cowan / John Mitchell (1st in class)
8th, Davinder Singh / Roger Barnard
10th, Prem Choda / Pauru Choda
retired, Joginder Singh / David Doig
- 1976:
1st, Joginder Singh / David Doig
2nd, Robin Ulyate / Chris Bates
3rd, Andrew Cowan / Johnstone Syer
6th, Kenjiro Shinozuka / Bob Graham
- 1977:
4th, Andrew Cowan / Paul White
5th, Joginder Singh / David Doig
6th, Davinder Singh / Chris Bates
10th, Kenjiro Shinozuka / Bob Graham
[edit] Southern Cross Rally
- 1973:
1st, Andrew Cowan / John Bryson
2nd, Barry Ferguson / Wayne Gregson
3rd, Doug Chivas / P. Meyer
4th, Joginder Singh / Garry Connelly
- 1974:
1st, Andrew Cowan / John Bryson
2nd, Joginder Singh / Garry Connelly
- 1975:
1st, Andrew Cowan / Fred Gocentas
2nd, Barry Ferguson / L. Adcock
5th, Kenjiro Shinozuka / Garry Connolly
- 1976:
1st, Andrew Cowan / John Bryson
2nd, Barry Ferguson / N.Faulkner
5th, Kenjiro Shinozuka / Garry Connelly
- 1977:
4th, Kenjiro Shinozuka / Garry Connelly (1st in class)
[edit] Rally Bandana Côte d'Ivoire
- 1977:
1st, Andrew Cowan / Johnstone Syer
2nd, Joginder Singh / Mike Doughty
[edit] 1000 Lakes Rally
- 1977:
19th (1st in class)
[edit] International Safari de Zaire
- 1979:
1st
[edit] Technical specifications
- Engine
- Layout — Longitudinally mounted front engine, rear wheel drive
- Configuration — Water-cooled SOHC straight-4, eight valves, five main bearings
- Bore x stroke — 76.9 x 86.0 mm
- Capacity — 1597 cc
- Compression ratio — 9.5:1
- Fuelling
- Fuel system — Twin carburettors, catalytic converter
- Fuel capacity — 50 L
- Peak power
- Peak torque
- Transmission
- Type — 5-speed manual
- Top gear ratio — 0.85
- Final drive ratio — 3.91
- Suspension & brakes
- (front) — Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar, disc brakes
- (rear) — longitudinal arms, drum brakes
- Steering
- Type — Recirculating ball
- Turning circle — 9.60 m
- Performance
- Top speed — 165 km/h
- Power:weight ratio — 112.36 bhp/ton
[edit] External links
- Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR at Mitsubishi Web Museum
- Mitsubishi Motors' official global site
- Mitsubishi Motors North America press release
